City News

The Wilmington Grand Prix and Bromberg’s Big Noise Rule the Weekend in Wilmington

Post Date:05/17/2017 3:10 PM

Wilmington will host two outstanding events this weekend—the Wilmington Grand Prix, one of the premier criterium-style bike races in the United States and the return of David Bromberg’s Big Noise Music Festival. Mayor Mike Purzycki encourages everyone to have fun throughout the weekend.

The Wilmington Grand Prix celebrates 11 years in Wilmington and kicks off Friday evening (May 19) with the Monkey Hill Time Trial, a 3.2-mile race against the clock through Wilmington’s Brandywine Park. On Saturday (May 20), the event moves to Market Street and features two amateur races in the morning, culminating with the Women’s Pro and Men’s Pro races in the afternoon. Sunday (May 21) will see the return of the Seventh Annual Governor’s Ride and the Sixth Annual Delaware Gran Fondo. Last year’s Gran Fondo attracted cyclists from 15 states (including Texas, Colorado and Florida) and three countries (including Australia and Canada) by offering them a scenic tour through the Brandywine Valley and some of Delaware’s most-prized cultural attractions.

Of special note is a partnership between Wilmington City Council and the Urban Bike Project on a Recreational Bike Ride on Saturday, May 20, beginning at 10 a.m. on the same Market Street course the pros will use. Riders are encouraged to make a donation to the Urban Bike Project and to bring their own bike for the ride which is open to all riders nine years of age and older.

Also on Saturday (May 20) Bromberg’s Big Noise festival, sponsored by WXPN, will be held in Tubman-Garrett Park on the Wilmington Riverfront. After a seven-year hiatus, Bromberg’s Big Noise returns with six national touring artists, headlined by legendary guitarist, and Wilmington resident, David Bromberg, Rock and Roll veterans Chris Robinson Brotherhood, and Grammy-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer - Dr. John. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Ronald McDonald House.

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki said these two events are indicative of why Wilmington is attractive to both residents and visitors alike. “Wilmington has a lot to offer including two great festivals in one amazing city that brings people together and satisfies various cultural tastes,” said Mayor Purzycki.